Marathoner CJ Albertson: Reflections on Racing, Balance, and Belief
Some runners thrive on pre-race rituals, intricate training plans, and finding the perfect balance in their lives. And then there’s CJ Albertson—an elite marathoner, coach, and teacher who takes a refreshingly straightforward approach to the sport. His philosophy? Keep going, embrace the chaos, and trust that the greatness is already inside you. With the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend on the horizon, here’s a chance to get to know him better.
Balancing running and life: Just keep going
When asked how he balances elite running with coaching, teaching, and everyday life, he’ll be the first to admit—he doesn’t have it figured out. “I don’t think I’m particularly good at balancing everything, I just keep going. I think no matter what you’re doing, it’s going to feel overwhelming at times. I’m sure there’s some practical tips, but I don’t have it figured out. I think you have to just accept you’re going to be tired and feel life is impossible at moments. I feel that way most of the time, but then there’s moments where I’m glad I’m doing what I’m doing (teaching, coaching, running, etc.), so it’s worth it.”
The trick for Albertson? Accept that life will feel impossible at times, but those moments when everything clicks make it all worthwhile.
Mantras and mental cues: Keep it simple
Albertson’s approach to mental focus has evolved over time. “I’ve had different mantras or habits throughout the years. For example, I’ve said “running is easy” or would look at my heart rate as a cue to relax and practice good breathing mechanics (regardless of what the HR data was)”, says Albertson.This season, I’m a little more focused on my form/power, so I will be periodically thinking about that…though I don’t have a specific cue yet.”
What’s clear is that Albertson doesn’t overcomplicate things—just simple reminders to stay efficient and strong.
Handling pressure: Embracing every emotion
While some runners work hard to manage nerves, Albertson leans into them. “I’ve raced enough now that I enjoy all the emotions associated with races. It’s common to feel some anxiousness before a race, but it’s a good type of anticipatory anxiousness. And I really like that feeling so I don’t have to ‘handle it’, I just ‘get to’ experience it.”
Advice for aspiring runners: trust your potential
For young runners chasing elite dreams, Albertson emphasizes the power of believing in yourself. “It starts with believing you can be really good, but also not stressfully striving. You’re going to have difficult moments, races, or even whole seasons where running doesn’t go well and you don’t PR. But aim to keep a steady belief that you’re going to be good and try not to feel too consumed by those hard seasons.
You want to aim to be better, but I think it’s helpful to believe you’re ‘pulling the greatness out of you’ versus ‘striving to obtain something outside yourself’. In other words, everything you need to be great is already in you and you own the tools. You may need to practice finding and using those tools (improve on your habits, etc) but you don’t have to go searching or feel like you’re lacking something.”
Staying motivated: Training for the best moments
Tough training blocks and setbacks are inevitable, but Albertson keeps his motivation simple. “I try to think of how fun races are when you’re fit and capable of running fast. I know when I’m racing, I’ll want to experience that moment again, so I need to train hard now to have that good feeling later.”
Recovery: the art of doing nothing
After a race or a grueling training session, Albertson’s ideal recovery plan is simple. “I try to lay down as much as possible. Though it’s getting harder to have moments where I can ‘do nothing’.”
Career-defining moments: The race that changed everything
Alberston considers his 7th place finish at the 2020 Olympic a defining point in his career. “Placing 7th at the 2020 USA Olympic Trials in the Marathon essentially started my professional marathon career. It also solidified to myself that I could run with the best in the country.”
Race day mindset: Stay relaxed and enjoy the moment
For Albertson, race day isn’t about overthinking or obsessing over every detail. Instead, he stays relaxed, conserving as much energy as possible. “Over time, I’ve begun to really enjoy the race mornings before the gun goes off,” Alberston shares. Now he enjoys having the chance to soak in the atmosphere, the anticipation, and the thrill of what’s to come.
Ottawa debut: Excited for the experience
When asked what he is most looking forward to at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2025, Albertson shares, “I’ve never been to Ottawa, or even Canada, so to be honest I’m not really sure. I enjoy racing, so I’m obviously really excited for a great race. But I also get the vibes. It’s a fun atmosphere, so I’m looking forward to experiencing it.”
A runner who loves the journey
Albertson’s approach to running is refreshingly down-to-earth. He doesn’t get caught up in overanalyzing, stressing about setbacks, or searching for balance that may never come. Instead, he keeps moving forward, embracing every challenge, and trusting that the best moments are always ahead. With the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon as his next big race, fans and fellow runners can look forward to seeing his steady, confident approach in action.
We would like to thank Albertson for taking the time to chat with us and we look forward to seeing him at the start line of the now sold out 2025 Tartan Ottawa International Marathon on Sunday, May 25.